FILM NOIR - which translates literally as 'black film' or 'black cinema' - was an epithet first used by French film critics to describe the new wave of downbeat American crime and detective films which were released in France immediately after WWII.

Primarily filmed in a low-key, monochrome visual style that had roots in German Expressionist cinematography, they became increasingly prominent in the immediate post-war era, enjoying a Golden Age through to the late 50s.